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Washington is a paradise for seafood lovers and photographers alike, with its stunning coastal views and abundant crabbing opportunities. Whether you’re looking to reel in a prized Dungeness crab or capture the perfect Instagram shot of your crabbing adventure, the state’s crabbing spots offer both a rewarding catch and picture-perfect scenery.
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into some of the most scenic and Instagrammable crabbing locations across Washington. We’ll also share tips on how to catch red crabs like a pro, from snow crab to king crab, while offering advice on capturing those must-have moments for your social media feeds.
Washington's coastline stretches along the Pacific Ocean, offering a rich variety of crabbing opportunities. The Puget Sound, in particular, is home to some of the world’s finest Dungeness crabs, while the colder waters further offshore are perfect for catching snow crab and king crab.
Here’s why Washington stands out for red crabbing enthusiasts:
Here are some of the most picturesque and productive crabbing locations across the state, perfect for capturing both a great catch and an Instagram-worthy shot.
Location: Northwest Washington, near the Canadian border
Why It's Instagrammable: Birch Bay offers serene waters and stunning views of the San Juan Islands, making it one of the most photogenic crabbing spots in Washington. The calm bay waters are perfect for Dungeness crabbing, especially for beginners. In the early mornings or late evenings, the lighting is just right for capturing the perfect shot of your crabbing setup against a peaceful backdrop.
Pro Tip: Aim for sunset photos, with your crab trap silhouetted against the golden sky for an Instagram-worthy image.
Location: Olympic Peninsula
Why It's Instagrammable: Sequim Bay is known for its picturesque shorelines and crystal-clear waters. The bay provides a great location for catching Dungeness crab, while offering breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains in the distance. The protected bay is also less crowded, making it perfect for an undisturbed photo session.
Pro Tip: Capture a shot of your freshly caught crabs on the dock with the mountains looming in the background for a picture-perfect moment.
Location: Whidbey Island
Why It's Instagrammable: Deception Pass is famous for its iconic bridge, which spans the narrow waterway between Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. Beneath the bridge, the tidal flows create an ideal environment for crabbing, especially for Dungeness crabs. The dramatic cliffs, swirling waters, and lush greenery make it a top spot for both crabbing and photography.
Pro Tip: Take a drone shot from above to capture the breathtaking views of the crabbing action below the Deception Pass Bridge.
Location: Southwest Washington
Why It's Instagrammable: Westport is not only a hub for commercial crabbing but also a great spot for recreational crabbers. The long stretches of coastline, paired with endless views of the Pacific Ocean, make it an ideal location for capturing the raw beauty of the Washington coast. Plus, the nearby marinas filled with colorful boats make for charming photo ops.
Pro Tip: Capture a photo of your crab trap being pulled up from the dock at sunrise, with the misty Pacific waters and boats in the background.
Location: Northwest tip of Washington, Makah Indian Reservation
Why It's Instagrammable: Neah Bay offers some of the most rugged and remote crabbing spots in Washington. The natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs, dense forests, and crashing waves makes for stunning photography. The crabbing here is a bit more challenging, but the reward of catching king crab against such a dramatic backdrop is well worth the effort.
Pro Tip: Set up a shot with your crabbing gear on the rocky shore, framing the dramatic cliffs and waves in the distance for a rugged, adventure-inspired post.
When you're out in the beautiful waters of Washington, you’ll want to capture the moment perfectly. Here are a few photography tips to help you get that ideal Instagram shot while crabbing:
The best times for natural lighting are during the golden hour, right after sunrise or just before sunset. The soft, warm light will highlight your crabs, traps, and the surrounding scenery beautifully.
Capture the excitement of your crabbing adventure by photographing key moments—whether it’s dropping the crab trap into the water or pulling up a pot filled with Dungeness crabs.
The natural beauty of Washington’s crabbing spots is half the charm. Be sure to include the landscape, whether it’s the shimmering ocean, towering mountains, or iconic bridges, to create a balanced composition.
Get creative with different angles—take low shots of your crabs on the shore or overhead views of your traps being pulled from the water. Play around with angles to make your photos stand out.
Timing is everything when it comes to crabbing. Washington's crabbing season is regulated to protect crab populations, and understanding the best times to head out will maximize your chances of success.
Always check with local regulations and tide charts to ensure you're crabbing during the right season and in accordance with Washington State laws.
After a day of crabbing, there’s nothing more rewarding than enjoying the fruits of your labor. But if you want to skip the work and still enjoy the best of Washington’s seafood, you can always order premium crabs from Global Seafoods. Offering a wide variety of snow crab, king crab, and Dungeness crab, you can have your seafood delivered right to your door.
For more seafood inspiration, tips, and videos, visit the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel.
Washington’s coastlines provide not only an abundance of crabs but also some of the most Instagrammable crabbing locations in the country. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of Deception Pass or the ruggedness of Neah Bay, these spots will make your crabbing adventure memorable, both on your plate and in your photo gallery.
Don’t forget to stock up on high-quality seafood from Global Seafoods, where you can find everything from snow crab legs to king crab for your next seafood feast.